Bolingbrook youth organization adds performing arts troupe

BOLINGBROOK — The local not-for-profit DuPage County Area Project (DuCap) is expanding its programming and adding a new, youth oriented performing arts troupe.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the DuCap community center in Bolingbrook, staff members will host an informational meeting regarding the forthcoming Artists Illustrating Meaningful Messages (AIMM), a youth group that will host shows throughout Bolingbrook and the surrounding communities.

The meeting is an informational session for all those interested in volunteering or participating in AIMM.

During the plays, spoken word performances and dances, the troupe will present important and relevant issues to local Bolingbrook schools. DuCap will cooperate with Valley View School District to host shows during school hours.

Programming is geared toward youth ages 7 to 18, but anybody is welcome to participate or volunteer.

DuCap Executive Director Jimmy Barber and Community Organizing Specialist Cheryl Jordan developed AIMM near the end of 2012, and, with the help of several staff members, the organization will begin performance practices this spring, and shows in the fall.

Jordan believes AIMM will be a powerful addition to the DuCap programming, not only offering children an outlet for their creativity, but also an effective mode of impacting their decision making.

"So far, the Bolingbrook community has been enthusiastic about the AIMM program," Jordan said. "DuCap always provides youth with positive choices; that is our goal. To create this positive atmosphere, we also want to get parents involved as much as possible. AIMM will operate along the same guidelines."

Abiding by their philosophy that residents should be a driving force to prevent juvenile delinquency and create a strong community, DuCap has served the western suburbs since 1991, expanding to Bolingbrook in 2006.

Although DuCap has received positive feedback from Bolingbrook residents, the organization is still looking for volunteers to assist AIMM with choreography, theater, music, marketing, grant writing, set design, lights and sound, according to Jordan.

To learn more about DuCap or volunteer with AIMM, call Cheryl Jordan at 630-226-8816.